Postsecondary Education Policy Internship

Department: Education, Postsecondary

Position classification: Internship

Summary

Postsecondary Education Policy interns serve as fully engaged members of the team and are vital to its work. Interns will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of projects and gain valuable knowledge and understanding of key issues facing the nation. The postsecondary education policy agenda of American Progress is based on the belief that high-quality and affordable education beyond high school will ensure economic mobility and stability and advance national competitiveness. However, in order for the promise of postsecondary education to pay off, Americans from all backgrounds must be able to access, afford, and complete high-quality credentials. The Postsecondary Education Policy team’s work focuses on improving the postsecondary system by focusing on equity, accountability, quality, and data to make the case for change.

Postsecondary Education Policy interns will learn many of the basic skills it takes to become a policy professional in a progressive nonprofit. They are involved in the team’s core activities and are assigned short- and long-term projects to help integrate them into the work. Interns may engage in research, writing, data manipulation and analysis, rapid-response communications, and social media engagement. Interns on the Postsecondary Education Policy team are also encouraged to take full advantage of the many events at American Progress, as well as events, briefings, and hearings that take place on the Hill and throughout Washington, D.C.

Other responsibilities may include conducting targeted research and reporting on policy meetings, seminars, hearings, and lectures. Interns are encouraged to write on a subject of their choice, either as a contributor to a larger piece or as the individual author of a column, op-ed, or blog post for the website.

Applicants should have strong research, writing, and organizational skills and demonstrate careful attention to detail.

To Apply

In order to be considered for an internship with American Progress, please combine the following items into a single .doc or .pdf file; follow the appropriate application link below; upload the single file; and complete the online application. The system does not allow for multiple files. Required materials include:

Cover letter

Resume

Writing sample of approximately three pages

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of the organization will be considered applicants and receive responses from American Progress.

Additional information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This internship posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education, and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress internships are awarded on an equal opportunity basis; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.